Indigenous Programs Building spreads its wings

The eagle rises

The institution already had a building dedicated to Indigenous programs, but it had reached the end of its lifecycle. CSC decided to replace it with a new facility that would offer Indigenous inmates a better cultural connection and that they could also help create.

Together with the institution's Indigenous initiatives employees and Elders, CSC developed a vision for the facility as a spiritual destination, and the concept of the eagle was born. PSPC expertise was then needed to get it off the ground. "Our department was the delivery arm," explains PSPC project manager Stephanie Helen Tremblay, part of a broad team of PSPC specialists who were involved in the initiative. "We had to make the design work in reality." In this way, the project proved as challenging as it was meaningful.

"For starters, we were building in wood," she points out, "which has recently become more common for institutional buildings, though it involves following very stringent building code requirements." Ultimately, the woodwork in the building turned out to be so impressive that the project was nominated for a prize from Cecobois, a Quebec organization that promotes wood construction. Meanwhile, the building's roof was a complex geometric puzzle. "It's a pitched roof that follows the shape of the wings. Fitting it over the building, at the right slant for water to flow down, took a lot of calculation," says Tremblay, "but we succeeded."

Along with its graceful form, the structure had to be functional in order to hold the planned Indigenous programs inside, and it wasn't just the outline of the bird that made this an ambitious project. Another extraordinary feature of the building is that the eagle's tail is a heptagon, to represent the Seven Sacred Laws found in Indigenous culture. "So, everywhere, we were navigating unusual angles while trying to create practical spaces," Tremblay notes.

The day-use facility was designed to accommodate Indigenous ceremonies, which often involve smudging: the burning of sacred herbs to purify the space. That required installing a chimney with several intake vents to clear the smoke. Along with spaces for CSC staff, other areas of the building are used for activities like woodworking and sewing. To support the heavy woodworking equipment, the team used reinforced concrete floor slabs.

It was also important to coordinate the construction of the building with the creation of key Indigenous pieces of art it would showcase. They included 3 large totem poles carved by inmates. The totems had to be ready in time for the contractor to mount them on concrete pedestals. "That's when PSPC met regularly with the Indigenous contributors to the project," says Tremblay, "to share progress updates and coordinate work schedules."

Additional art pieces, including a floor design with the colours of the medicine wheel and a canoe suspended from the ceiling, were integrated into this extraordinary site. The project team also transferred art to the new building from the old one before its demolition.

Reaching new heights

Both the process and results of the project were inspiring, Tremblay says. "PSPC worked closely with CSC to achieve shared goals of partnership with Indigenous Peoples. I feel lucky to have been part of such a committed and motivated team and a special initiative."

You are invited to read about systemic change informed by Gladue Principles in our justice system. These changes encompass culturally-appropriate Indigenous justice processes that contribute to the government's Reconciliation goals.

For other interesting articles about PSPC people and projects, visit Our stories.